Fold-back soft top for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a folding top assembly for use with a vehicle and methods for using a folding top assembly on a vehicle. The folding top assembly can be used to create openings on the top of the vehicle by folding a rear panel segment of the folding top assembly forward to expose a space over a rear seating area of the vehicle and/or folding a front panel segment of the folding top assembly rearward to expose a space over a front seating area of the vehicle. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve the ability to store the folding top assembly on the vehicle and/or to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure is generally related to vehicle tops and relatedmethods.

Description of the Related Art

Convertible vehicle tops are configured for retracting or folding toallow drivers the pleasure of driving with the top down. A typicalconvertible top can be retracted automatically with the push of a buttonor manually when the car is parked. The typical convertible top isfolded upon itself and stowed away at the rear of the vehicle to exposethe entire vehicle interior.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for using a folding topassembly on a vehicle, the vehicle having a front seating area and arear seating area, the method comprising extending a cover over thefront and rear seating areas of the vehicle, the cover having a frontpanel segment, a middle panel segment, and a rear panel segment, whereineach of the panel segments has an inner surface and an outer surface,folding the rear panel segment forward to expose a first space extendingover the rear seating area, securing the rear panel segment in a firstfolded position, wherein at least a portion of the rear panel segment isfolded over the middle panel segment, and folding the front panelsegment rearward to expose a second space extending over the frontseating area.

Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for using a foldingtop assembly on a vehicle, the vehicle having a front seating area and arear seating area, the method comprising extending a cover over thefront and rear seating areas of the vehicle, the cover having a frontpanel segment, a middle panel segment, and a rear panel segment, whereineach of the panel segments has an inner surface and an outer surface,folding the rear panel segment forward to expose a first space extendingover the rear seating area, folding a first portion of the rear panelsegment rearward over a second portion of the rear panel segment, andsecuring the rear panel segment in a first folded position, wherein atleast a portion of the rear panel segment is folded over the middlepanel segment.

In some embodiments, the method can include bending a pair of arms overthe middle panel segment, the arms being coupled to the front panelsegment. In some embodiments, the method can include securing the frontpanel segment in a second folded position, wherein at least a portion ofthe front panel segment is folded over the middle panel segment. In someembodiments, the method can include folding a first portion of the rearpanel segment rearward over a second portion of the rear panel segment.In some embodiments, the method can include folding a first portion ofthe rear panel segment rearward under a second portion of the rear panelsegment.

In some embodiments, folding the rear panel segment forward to exposethe first space can include folding a first portion of the rear panelsegment over a second portion of the rear panel segment and folding thefirst and second portions of the rear panel segment over the middlepanel segment.

In some embodiments, the method can include folding a first portion ofthe rear panel segment rearward over a second portion of the rear panelsegment and folding the first portion forward on top of itself.

In some embodiments, the method can include folding the front panelsegment rearward to expose a second space extending over the frontseating area. In some embodiments, folding the front panel segmentrearward to expose the second space can include folding a first portionof the front panel segment over a second portion of the front panelsegment and folding the first and second portions of the front panelsegment over the middle panel segment.

In some embodiments, securing the rear panel segment in the first foldedposition can include coupling a first and a second strap to a first anda second lateral portion of the vehicle. In some embodiments, securingthe front panel segment in the second folded position can includecoupling a third and a fourth strap to a third and a fourth lateralportion of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the method can include unlatching the cover fromthe vehicle. In some embodiments, the method can include installing aframe assembly on the vehicle. In some embodiments, the frame assemblycan have a plurality of door surrounds, a first pair of arms, and asecond pair of arms. In some embodiments, the door surrounds can have achannel.

In some embodiments, the method can include installing a plurality ofdoors on the vehicle. In some embodiments, the cover can haveinterengaging portions disposed on an inner surface of the cover thatare configured to engage a channel on the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the method can include securing the cover in anextended position. In some embodiments, securing the cover in theextended position can include retaining interengaging portions of thecover in channels disposed on the vehicle and coupling a first and asecond fastener to a first and a second rear beam of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the front panel segment can be configured to coverand/or expose the second space extending over the front seating area. Insome embodiments, the rear panel segment can be configured to coverand/or expose the first space extending over the rear seating area. Insome embodiments, the middle panel segment can be disposed between thefront panel segment and the rear panel segment.

In some embodiments, the method can include coupling a central fastenerdisposed on an inner surface of the cover to a cross beam of thevehicle. In some embodiments, the inner surface of each of the panelsegments can face an interior of the vehicle and the outer surface ofeach of the panel segments can face away from the interior of thevehicle when the cover is in an extended position.

In some embodiments, folding the rear panel segment forward can includeplacing at least a portion of the outer surface of the rear panelsegment in contact with the outer surface of the middle panel segment.In some embodiments, folding the front panel segment rearward caninclude placing at least a portion of the outer surface of the frontpanel segment in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface ofthe rear panel segment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present devices, systems,and methods will become appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood with reference to the specification, claims and appendeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a folding topassembly assembled on a vehicle;

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a vehicle that can be configured to engagethe folding top assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the cover of the folding top assembly of FIG.1 ;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the cover of the folding top assembly ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 shows a detailed bottom view of the cover of the folding topassembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the folding top assembly of FIG. 1extending over a vehicle;

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a strap of the folding top assembly ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the cover of the folding top assemblyof FIG. 1 being unlatched from a vehicle;

FIGS. 9-10 show perspective views of the cover of the folding topassembly of FIG. 1 with the rear seating area of a vehicle exposed;

FIGS. 11-13 show examples of the cover of the folding top assembly ofFIG. 1 being folded to expose a rear seating area of a vehicle;

FIGS. 14-15 show detailed views of a strap of the folding top assemblyof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the cover of the folding topassembly of FIG. 1 with the rear seating area of a vehicle exposed;

FIGS. 17-18 show perspective views of the cover of the folding topassembly of FIG. 1 with the front and rear seating areas of a vehicleexposed;

FIG. 19 shows a detailed view of a strap of the folding top assembly ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 20-21 shows side views of the folding top assembly of FIG. 1 withthe front and rear seating areas of a vehicle exposed; and

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the folding top assembly of FIG. 1with the front and rear seating areas of a vehicle exposed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the presently preferredembodiments of folding tops provided in accordance with aspects of thepresent devices, systems, and methods and is not intended to representthe only forms in which the present devices, systems, and methods may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and thesteps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present devices,systems, and methods in connection with the illustrated embodiments. Itis to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions andstructures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are alsointended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers areintended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

FIG. 1 illustrates one position of an embodiment a folding top assembly10 assembled on a vehicle 100, such as a Jeep Wrangler. The folding topassembly 10 can be assembled on any suitable vehicle, such as a vehiclewith an opening above the front and rear seating areas 12, 14 of thevehicle 100. The folding top assembly 10 can be coupled to a frameassembly 50 of the vehicle 100, as an original convertible top or areplacement top. The folding capability of the folding top assembly 10provides the driver and passengers of the vehicle 100 having the foldingtop assembly 10 with various options regarding the degree to which thevehicle 100 is open to the environment. Previously, most availablefolding tops for vehicles provided fewer positions for the cover.Reference to the words front, rear, left, and right are understood to bebased on positions of a vehicle, such as front, rear, left, and rightside of the vehicle.

The folding top assembly 10 can have various positions. In someembodiments, the folding top assembly 10 can have various foldedpositions and various extended positions. For example, as shown in FIG.1 , the folding top assembly 10 can be folded on top of itself in afolded or stored position towards the middle of the opening 11 in thevehicle 100. The folding top assembly 10 can be stored towards the frontof the opening 11, towards the middle of the opening 11, and/or towardsthe rear of the opening 11. The folding top assembly 10 can be storedand/or used on the vehicle such that the folding top assembly 10 issecure while the vehicle is moving. The folding top assembly 10 can bedesigned to be water-resistant or to prevent water from collecting onthe folding top assembly 10. The folding top assembly 10 can be designedto improve aerodynamics of the vehicle 100 when the vehicle is moving.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle 100 that can be configuredto receive the folding top assembly 10. In some embodiments, the vehicle100 can have a front seating area 12 and a rear seating area 14. Thevehicle can have rear beams 40, cross beams 42 and side beams 44. Thefolding top assembly 10 can be quickly and conveniently installed on aroof or opening 11 extending above a front seating area 12 and/or rearseating area 14 of the vehicle 100 and can be easily moved between, andsecured in, different extended and folded positions. In someembodiments, the user can move the folding top assembly 10 between,and/or secure the folding top assembly 10 in, different positions whilethe user is inside of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the user canmove the folding top assembly 10 between, and/or secure the folding topassembly 10 in, different positions while the user is outside of thepassenger compartment of the vehicle 100.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the folding top assembly 10 can include acover 16. The cover 16 can have an inner surface 26 and an outer surface28. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the cover 16 canhave a front panel segment 20, a middle panel segment 22, and a rearpanel segment 24. In some embodiments, the middle panel segment 22 isdisposed between the front panel segment 20 and the rear panel segment24. The lengths of each of the panel segments relative to the totallength of the cover 16 can vary. The front panel segment 20 can extendabove the front seating area 12 when the folding top assembly 10 is inan extended position. The rear panel segment 24 can extend above therear seating area 14 when the folding top assembly 10 is in an extendedposition. The middle panel segment 22 can extend above an area betweenthe front seating area 12 and the rear seating area 14. The middle panelsegment 22 can extend over portions of at least one of the front seatingarea 12 and the rear seating area 14. The panel segments can besimilarly sized and/or can differ in length, width, and/or thickness.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the panel segments can have creases or othersimilar features that enable the user to fold the cover 16 more easily.For example, in some embodiments, at least one panel segment can have acrease formed in it such that the cover 16 can easily fold along saidcrease. In some embodiments, the cover 16 can be biased towards or havea tendency towards folding along particular areas or creases in thecover. In some embodiments, the user can fold the cover 16 in anysuitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 16comprises a material that is easily folded (e.g., a flexible or softmaterial). In some embodiments, the panel segments of the cover 16 canfold substantially flat on one another. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , eachof the panel segments 20, 22, 24 can have an inner surface 26 and anouter surface 28. In some embodiments, the inner surface 26 of each ofthe panel segments 20, 22, 24 faces an interior of the vehicle 100 whenthe cover 16 is in an extended position and the outer surface 28 of eachof the panel segments 20, 22, 24 faces away from the interior of thevehicle when the cover 16 is in the extended position. The inner surface26 of the cover 16 can face in a first direction and the outer surface28 of the cover 16 can face in a second direction opposite the firstdirection.

The cover 16 can include fasteners 36 such as tabs, straps, zippers,and/or latches. The fasteners 36 can be connected to the cover 16 and/orcan be separate components from the cover 16. The fasteners 36 can beremovable from the cover 16. The sizes, shapes, and positions of thefasteners 36 can vary. For example, the fasteners 36 can be disposed onone end of the cover 16, in the center of the cover 16, along multiplepanel segments of the cover 16, and/or on at least one of the innersurface 26, the outer surface 28, or a side surface of the cover 16. Thedegree to which the cover 16 is secured to the vehicle 100 when thefolding top assembly 10 is in an extended position or a folded positioncan vary. In some embodiments, the fasteners 36 can be adjusted and/ortightened by the user. This allows the user to increase the tension inthe cover 16 to make the cover 16 taut or otherwise sit flatter when inan extended or folded position.

Different combinations of types of fasteners 36 can be used to securethe cover 16 to the vehicle 100. The fasteners 36 can be secured to theframe assembly 50, rear beams 40, cross beams 42, and/or side beams 44of the vehicle 100. For example fasteners 36 can be disposed towards thecenter of the inner surface 26 of the cover 16 and can engage or wraparound a cross beam 42 of the vehicle 100.

The folding top assembly 10 can include a storage compartment 32. Astorage compartment 32 can be coupled to the inner surface 26, the outersurface 28, a side surface, or any suitable surface of the cover 16. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , storage compartments 32 can becoupled to the inner surface of the cover 16. The storage compartment 32can comprise at least one pocket. The pockets can be open on at leastone end and/or can be secure (e.g., configured to be opened and closedby use of a zipper). The storage compartment 32 can be configured tostore belongings such as sunglasses, tools, garage door openers, etc.

Components of the frame assembly 50 can engage components of the cover16. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 16 can haveinterengaging portions 18 (e.g, such as a tongue or hook and grooveengagement) configured to cooperate with the frame assembly 50, in someembodiments, the interengaging portions can be interlocking portions. Asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 , in some embodiments, interengagingportions 18 are disposed on an inner surface of the cover 16. In someembodiments, the interengaging portions 18 are projections, such ashollow tubes or solid members, on the cover 16 that are configured toengage channels 54 of the frame assembly 50. The interengaging portions18 can be made of a resilient material. The interengaging portions 18can be disposed along the periphery of the inner surface 26 of the cover16 and engage channels 54 disposed on lateral portions of the frameassembly 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the cover 16 can beextended over the front and rear seating areas 12, 14 of the vehicle100. In some embodiments, the cover 16 can be secured to the vehicle 100in an extended position. Securing the cover 16 to the vehicle 100 in anextended position can include retaining interengaging portions 18 of thecover 16 in channels 54 disposed on the vehicle 100 and/or couplingfasteners 36 to rear beams 40 of the vehicle 100. Portions of the cover16 can be secured to other vehicle covers 48 disposed on the vehicle.For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the cover 16 can have a zipper 38 thatengages a compatible zipper on the other vehicle cover 48. This canenhance the seal between the cover 16 and the vehicle 100.

In some embodiments, a seal can be provided to form a snug fit betweenthe folding top assembly 10 and the vehicle 100 and help minimize orprevent dust, dirt, moisture, or other contaminants from entering thevehicle 100 through the opening 11. The seal can be fixed to the foldingtop assembly 10 or the vehicle 100, or a separate component sandwichedbetween the folding top assembly 10 and the vehicle 100.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of a fastener 36 secured to a rear beam 40of the vehicle 100 with the folding top assembly 10 in an extendedposition. The rear beams 40 of the vehicle 100 can be disposed behindthe rear seating area 14 of the vehicle 100. The fasteners 36 can beadjusted by the user by pulling on a strap to cause the amount of spacebetween a given fastener 36 and beam 40, 42, 44 of the vehicle 100 todecrease. This can increase the amount of tension in the cover 16 andcan improve the aesthetics of the cover 16 when assembled on the vehicle100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 14 , in some embodiments, the cover 16 canbe at least partially unlatched or unsecured from the vehicle 100. Theinterengaging portions 18 of the cover 16 can be disengaged from thechannels 54 of the frame assembly 50. The zippers 38 can be disengagedfrom the corresponding zippers on the other covers 48. The fasteners 36can be unsecured from the rear beams 40, cross beams 42, and/or sidebeams 44. The cover 16 can be completely unsecured from the vehicle 100and removed. The cover 16 can be partially unsecured from the vehicle100 in the process of folding or moving the cover 16 from one positionto another.

In some embodiments, the folding top assembly 10 can include a frameassembly 50 for supporting the cover 16. In some embodiments, a frameassembly 50 for supporting the cover 16 can be installed on the vehicle100 before the folding top assembly 10 is assembled. Desirably, theframe assembly 50 can include a first longitudinal portion and a secondlongitudinal portion opposite the first longitudinal portion extendingabove a plurality of entrances to the vehicle 100 along lateral sides ofthe vehicle 100. The frame assembly 50 can include at least onecross-member extending between the first and second longitudinalportions. In some embodiments, the frame assembly 50 includes a firstcross-member extending between the first and second longitudinalportions above a forward portion of the front seating area 12 and asecond cross-member extending between the first and second longitudinalportions above a rearward portion of the rear seating area 14. Asillustrated in FIG. 1 , the frame assembly 50 can include bolstersdisposed towards the middle of the vehicle 100, adjacent to each of thefirst and second longitudinal portions. The bolsters can advantageouslyassist in supporting the cover 16 when the cover 16 is in a foldedposition. The frame assembly 50 can include a plurality of doorsurrounds 52 defining channels 54 that are configured to engage portionsof the cover 16. In some embodiments, a plurality of doors 56 can beinstalled on the vehicle 100 and can be integral with, or separate from,the frame assembly 50. In some embodiments, the frame assembly 50includes a first and second pair of arms 34, which will be described ingreater detail below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-22 , the cover 16 can be bendable and/orfoldable. As illustrated in FIGS. 9-16 , in some embodiments, the cover16 is folded to expose a first space 30A extending over the rear seatingarea 14. In some embodiments, the cover 16 is folded to expose a secondspace 30B extending over the front seating area 12. As illustrated inFIGS. 17-18 , in some embodiments, the cover 16 is folded to expose boththe first space 30A and the second space 30B. Advantageously, the orderin which the panel segments of the cover 16 are moved to transition thefolding top assembly 10 from one position to another, and the number ofsteps taken, can vary. For example, the first space 30A can be exposedbefore the second space 30B, the second space 30B can be exposed beforethe first space 30A, and one of the first space 30A and the second space30B can be exposed while the other remains covered by the cover 16.

As shown in FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the rear panel segment 24 canbe folded forward to expose the first space 30A. The outer surface 28 ofthe rear panel segment 24 can be folded flat on top of the outer surface28 of the front panel segment 20 and/or middle panel segment 22.

The rear panel segment 24 can be folded further after initially beingfolded forward over the middle panel segment 22. For example, as shownin FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, a first portion of the rear panelsegment 24 can be folded rearward over a second portion of the rearpanel segment 24. This can advantageously make the folded portion of thecover 16 more compact, maximizing the first space 30A above the rearseating area 14 and further stabilizing the folded portion of the cover16 while the vehicle 100 is moving. Certain other methods for foldingthe cover 16 can benefit from some similar advantages. For example, insome embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , a first portion of therear panel segment 24 can be folded rearward under a second portion ofthe rear panel segment 24. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.13 , a first portion of the rear panel segment 24 can be folded rearwardover a second portion of the rear panel segment 24 (e.g., step A to stepB) and the first portion can be further folded forward on top of itself(e.g., step B to step C).

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, folding the rear panelsegment 24 forward to expose the first space 30A can include folding afirst portion of the rear panel segment 24 over a second portion of therear panel segment 24 (e.g., step A) and folding the first and secondportions of the rear panel segment 24 over the middle panel segment 22(e.g., step B). In some embodiments, folding the rear panel segment 24forward over the middle panel segment 22 includes placing at least aportion of the outer surface 28 of the rear panel segment 24 in contactwith the outer surface 28 of the middle panel segment 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 16 , in some embodiments, the rear panel segment24 can be folded over the middle panel segment 22 and the front panelsegment 20 can remain extended. In some embodiments, the front panelsegment 20 can be folded over the middle panel segment 22 and the rearpanel segment can remain extended.

As shown in FIG. 17 , in some embodiments, the front panel segment 20can be folded rearward to expose the second space 30B. In someembodiments, the rear panel segment 24 is configured to cover and/orexpose the first space 30A extending over the rear seating area 14. Insome embodiments, the front panel segment 20 is configured to coverand/or expose the second space 30B extending over the front seating area12.

In some embodiments, the folding top assembly 10 includes arms 34. Asillustrated in FIG. 17 , in some embodiments, the folding top assembly10 can have a first pair of arms 34 and a second pair of arms 34. Insome embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the arms 34 arecoupled to the front panel segment 20 and can be bent or collapsed overthe middle panel segment 22 in the process of moving the folding topassembly 10 from one position to another. Folding the assembly 10 asdescribed can increase the speed and ease with which the cover 16 isfolded and can increase the rigidity of the stored cover 16. In someembodiments, the arms 34 allow the user to fold the front panel segment20 back without the user leaving the interior of the vehicle 100.Advantageously, when the arms 34 are bent and pushed rearward, the arms34 can hold down (e.g., clamp down, weigh down, flatten, etc.) not onlythe front panel segment 20 but also the middle panel segment 22 and therear panel segment 24 folded beneath the front panel segment 20. Thiscan streamline (e.g., flatten, stabilize, etc.) the folding top assembly10 and reduce the effects of wind and vehicle motion on the storage ofthe folded cover 16 and therefore on the driving experience. Certainother configurations of arms 34 can have some similar advantages. Insome embodiments, the arms 34 are integral with the frame assembly 50and are configured to couple to the cover 16 of the folding top assembly10. The arms 34 can be disposed towards the front, middle, and/or rearof the frame assembly 50. In some embodiments, the folding top assembly10 and/or frame assembly 50 can have a first and second pair of arms 34disposed towards the front of the vehicle 100 and a third and fourthpair of arms 34 disposed towards the rear of the vehicle 100. In someembodiments, the arms 34 can couple to the front panel segment 20, themiddle panel segment 22, and/or the rear panel segment 24 of the cover16. More details of an arm assembly for the forward opening of thefolding top assembly and a frame assembly can be found in U.S. Pat. No.10,065,486, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference asif fully set forth herein.

As shown in FIG. 18 , in some embodiments, both the front panel segment20 and the rear panel segment 24 can be folded over the middle panelsegment 22. In some embodiments, the rear panel segment 24 is foldedforward over the middle panel segment 22 before the front panel segment20 is folded rearward over the rear panel segment 24. In someembodiments, the front panel segment 20 is folded rearward over themiddle panel segment 22 before the rear panel segment 24 is foldedforward over the front panel segment 20. Any of the panel segments canbe in contact with any of the other panel segments when the folding topassembly 10 is in a folded position. The order in which the panelsegments are folded can vary. The folding top assembly 10 can fold ontop of itself over the front panel segment 20, the middle panel segment22, and/or the rear panel segment 24.

The panel segments 20, 22, 24 can be folded in various positions. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 17 , in some embodiments, folding thefront panel segment 20 rearward to expose the second space 30B includesfolding a first portion of the front panel segment 20 over a secondportion of the front panel segment 20 and folding the first and secondportions of the front panel segment 20 over the middle panel segment 22.In some embodiments, folding the front panel segment 20 rearward overthe middle panel segment 22 includes placing at least a portion of theouter surface 28 of the front panel segment 20 in contact with at leasta portion of the outer surface 28 of the rear panel segment 24.

The cover 16 can be secured in various positions. As illustrated inFIGS. 14-16 , in some embodiments, the rear panel segment 24 is securedin a first folded position, where at least a portion of the rear panelsegment 24 is folded over the middle panel segment 22. As illustrated inFIGS. 18-22 , in some embodiments, the front panel segment 20 is securedin a second folded position where at least a portion of the front panelsegment 20 is folded over the middle panel segment 22. In someembodiments, the rear panel segment 24 is secured in the first foldedposition and the front panel segment 20 is secured in the second foldedposition.

The cover 16 can be secured using any suitable mechanism coupled to anysuitable location on the cover 16. For example, as illustrated in FIG.16 , in some embodiments, securing the rear panel segment 24 in thefirst folded position can include coupling fasteners 36, such as straps,to lateral portions of the vehicle 100. As illustrated in FIG. 22 , insome embodiments, securing the front panel segment 20 in the secondfolded position can include coupling fasteners 36, such as straps, tolateral portions of the vehicle 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 18 ,in some embodiments, the fasteners 36 comprise straps that are coupledto the cover 16 and can be wrapped or tied around lateral portions ofthe vehicle 100, such as side beams 44, and/or lateral portions of theframe assembly 50. As illustrated in FIG. 19 , in some embodiments, thefasteners 36 comprise straps that can be connected to the vehicle 100and/or frame assembly 50 by a removable bolt 46. The fasteners 36 can becoupled to the cover 16 and/or to the arms 34. In some embodiments, thefasteners 36 are configured to prevent the arms 34 from rotating whenthe vehicle 100 is moving. The fastener 36 can have a hole in it sizedand shaped to receive a portion of the bolt 46. The bolt 46 can betapered and/or threaded and can secure the fastener 36 to the vehicle100 and/or frame assembly 50.

In some embodiments, the fasteners 36 that are used to secure the cover16 in folded positions are the same fasteners 36 that are used to securethe cover 16 in extended positions. In some embodiments, the fasteners36 that are used to secure the cover 16 in folded positions are distinctfrom the fasteners 36 that are used to secure the cover 16 in extendedpositions.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 20-22 , the cover 16 can includetabs 37. The tabs 37 can be disposed on lateral portions of the cover16. The tabs 37 can be disposed on the inner surface 26 and/or outersurface 28 of the cover 16. The tabs can assist the user in holdingonto, and repositioning, the panel segments of the cover 16.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that inventivefolding vehicle tops and related methods are disclosed. While severalcomponents, techniques and aspects have been described with a certaindegree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes can be made inthe specific designs, constructions and methodology herein abovedescribed without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations and/or “some embodiments” can also beimplemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely,various features that are described in the context of a singleimplementation can also be implemented in multiple implementationsseparately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, althoughfeatures may be described above as acting in certain combinations, oneor more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, beexcised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as anysubcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described inthe specification in a particular order, such methods need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and thatall methods need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Othermethods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionalmethods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between anyof the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged orreordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of varioussystem components in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements,and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intendedto imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, withinless than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, andwithin less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not belimiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown arecontemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed inventions.Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarilybear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of thedevices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/orrearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in allother embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognizedthat any methods described herein may be practiced using any devicesuitable for performing the recited steps.

While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been describedin detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will beapparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various applications, modifications, materials, andsubstitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from theunique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. A folding top assembly for use on a vehicle, thevehicle having a front seating area and a rear seating area, the foldingtop assembly comprising: a cover having a front panel segment, a rearpanel segment, and a middle panel segment between the front panelsegment and the rear panel segment, the front panel segment configuredto be positioned above the front seating area when in an extendedposition and the rear panel segment configured to be positioned abovethe rear seating area when in an extended position; and a frame assemblycomprising a first pair of arms, and a second pair of arms, the firstpair of arms and the second pair of arms each coupled to the front panelsegment, wherein the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms areeach configured to bend over the middle panel segment when transitioningthe cover to a stowed position; and wherein when in a stowed positionthe rear panel segment is folded over the middle panel segment such thatthe rear panel segment is positioned between the middle panel segmentand the front panel segment, the front panel segment at least partiallysecuring the rear panel segment in the stowed position.
 3. The foldingtop assembly of claim 2, wherein the frame assembly further comprises aplurality of door surrounds, the plurality of door surrounds definingchannels configured to engage portions of the cover.
 4. The folding topassembly of claim 2, wherein the cover further comprises interengagingportions configured to cooperate with the frame assembly.
 5. The foldingtop assembly of claim 4, wherein the interengaging portions areinterlocking portions.
 6. The folding top assembly of claim 2, whereinthe frame assembly further comprises a first longitudinal portion and asecond longitudinal portion opposite the first longitudinal portionextending along lateral sides of the vehicle.
 7. The folding topassembly of claim 6, wherein the frame assembly further comprises atleast one cross-member extending between the first longitudinal portionand the second longitudinal portion.
 8. The folding top assembly ofclaim 2, further comprising fasteners configured to at least partiallysecure the front panel segment or the rear panel segment when in astowed position.
 9. A folding top assembly for use on a vehicle, thevehicle having a front seating area and a rear seating area, the foldingtop assembly comprising: a cover having a front panel segment, a rearpanel segment, and a middle panel segment between the front panelsegment and the rear panel segment, the front panel segment configuredto be positioned above the front seating area when in an extendedposition and the rear panel segment configured to be positioned abovethe rear seating area when in an extended position, wherein the covercomprises interengaging portions disposed on an inner surface of thecover, the interengaging portions configured to engage and couple thecover to the vehicle when in an extended position; and wherein when in astowed position the rear panel segment is folded over the middle panelsegment such that the rear panel segment is positioned between themiddle panel segment and the front panel segment, the front panelsegment at least partially securing the rear panel segment in the stowedposition.
 10. The folding top assembly of claim 9, wherein theinterengaging portions are interlocking portions.
 11. The folding topassembly of claim 9, wherein the interengaging portions of projectionsconfigured to engage channels of the vehicle.
 12. The folding topassembly of claim 9, further comprising fasteners configured to at leastpartially secure the front panel segment or the rear panel segment whenin a stowed position.
 13. The folding top assembly of claim 9, furthercomprising a frame assembly having a first pair of arms, and a secondpair of arms, the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms eachcoupled to the front panel segment, wherein the first pair of arms andthe second pair of arms are each configured to bend over the middlepanel segment when transitioning the cover to the stowed position. 14.The folding top assembly of claim 13, wherein the frame assembly furthercomprises a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portionopposite the first longitudinal portion extending along lateral sides ofthe vehicle.
 15. The folding top assembly of claim 14, wherein the frameassembly further comprises at least one cross-member extending betweenthe first longitudinal portion and the second longitudinal portion. 16.The folding top assembly of claim 13, wherein the frame assembly furthercomprises a plurality of door surrounds, the plurality of door surroundsdefining channels configured to engage the interengaging portions of thecover.